LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 71, Issue 37, 23 November 1950, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Fairfield Killing Season Killing operations at the Fairfield freezing works open for the season on Monday week, December 4. Art Union Prizes Four minor prizes in the recent “Leap for Joy” art union came to Ashburton. Three of these, No. 80322, “We Two,” No. 110279, “Tadema,” and No. 65561, “Sunshine,” secured £lO prizes, while ticket No. 55077, “Black Balls,” won a £5 prize. Rotary Luncheon Mr R. G. Harrison was the speaker at the Ashburton Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon to-day, his subject being the British and Foreign Bible Society. Mr Harrison is on the executive of the Ashburton branch of the society.

Ashburton East Women's Fellowship, Sister A. McDonald presided over a good attendance of the Ashburton East Women’s Fellowship, held recently. Miss P. Wilson gave a very interesting talk on her trip to Australia. It was decided that the meeting be the last for the year. The evening concluded with the Benediction, and supper was served.

Frigates Expected at Auckland The New Zealand frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Pukaki will arrive at Auckland from Korea at the end of this month. On December 4 the ship’s company will march through Auckland. They will be the guests of the Mayor and City Council at a luncheon. The frigates Taupo and Hawea will arrive at Auckland on November 26 from Malta. —P.A. Session Nears End The introduction of 11 Bills in the House of Representatives last night by Governor-General’s Message was a clear indication that the session is approaching its end. There now remains little more legislation to be introduced during the present session. Several of the measures introduced last night were the customary “washing-up” Bills.—P.A. Summer Planting in Baring Square Members of the Domain staff have completed summer planting in Baring Square East, and the results of their efforts will no doubt be apparent in the near future. On the East Street border ageratum have been planted, and the centre gardens in this section have been planted in geraniums. French marigolds will form the entire show on the east side, while the two plots near the South African War memorial have been planted in coreopsis daisies.

Most Dangerous Occupation The October number of “Health,” the official bulletin of the New Zealand Department of Health, is a special occupational health issue. The editorial points out that the nature of our occupation inevitably affects our expectation of life and our prospect of good or bad health during life. An analysis of figures gives two, little known conclusions, first that h tractor oil a farm is more dangerous than a bull, for in 1949 there were six farm workers killed by tractors and only one by a bull; and that New Zealand’s most dangerous occupation is that of bush-felling, with 7.7 deaths a year from accidents. Ambition Deferred An Auckland motor mechanic, Mr J. Cavanagh, started building a midget racing car when he was 13 years old. It has cost him about £250, and his ambition is to drive his car in professional races in Auckland. Mr Cavanagh told this story to the No. 2 Military Service Postponement Committee when he asked for postponement of his entry into camp until May,-1951. He has now reached the age when he will be allowed to drive the car in races. He told the chairman of the committee (Mr F. J. Cox) that he would lose financially if he missed the racing season, although his car was just a sideline. “You will still have your car in 1952,” said the chairman. “Case dismissed.”—P.A.

State of Cricket Grounds Local cricket enthusiasts who complained about the rough outfield on the Domain Oval will be, interested in the amount of work required after the football season is over to put the Sydney Cricket Grounds in order. Heavy mud churned up by footballers had played havoc with the turf, and the centre patch had to be re-sown. Consequently the wicket for the New South Wales-M.C.C. match was lifeless. Most of this was due to the young grass not being strong enough to stand up to the preparation. All grade matches set down tor the next few weeks are to be transferred, so that the ground staff can have every opportunity to get a really sporting wicket ready for the test, starting on January 5.